Drama In Edo! APC Supporters Locked Out Of Govt House After Okpebholo’s Supreme Court Triumph

There was mild tension on Friday as hundreds of elated supporters of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including market women and loyal party members, were denied access to the Edo State Government House during a celebration rally in honour of Governor Monday Okpebholo’s Supreme Court victory.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Security operatives stationed at the gates of the Government House reportedly turned the crowd back, citing “orders from above.” The development left many of the supporters frustrated and disappointed, especially after they had marched in solidarity from the airport to the city centre.

The crowd had gathered to celebrate the Supreme Court ruling on Thursday, which affirmed Governor Okpebholo’s election as valid, in line with previous verdicts from the Election Petitions Tribunal and the Court of Appeal, following the September 21, 2024, gubernatorial election.

Excitement had been high from as early as 7:00 a.m., as supporters trooped to Benin Airport to welcome the governor. His aircraft touched down around 12:40 p.m., and from there, the supporters joined his convoy in a vibrant road procession marked by songs and jubilation.

However, the celebration came to a halt at the gates of the Government House, where security personnel created a barricade and informed the crowd that only “Very Important Personalities” (VIPs) would be allowed in for post-judgment refreshments and private interactions.

This exclusion triggered outrage among many APC supporters, who expressed feelings of neglect and betrayal just hours after the legal triumph.

Mrs. Omogiate, a veteran APC member and market trader, compared the treatment to previous administrations:

“Even during Obaseki’s worst moments, supporters were never treated like this,” she lamented.

Another supporter, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed deep disappointment:

“I left home before 7:00 a.m. and stood under the scorching sun just to show my support. We followed the governor joyfully to the Government House, only to be locked out. This is heartbreaking.”

The incident has raised concerns within party circles, with fears that such displays of elitism and exclusion could alienate the grassroots and threaten party unity ahead of the 2027 elections.